Proportional valve

ABSTRACT

A control valve adapted to be connected in an hydraulic circuit including two cylinders movable against corresponding linear springs and connected to opposite ends of a mechanical load, such as the spool of a master valve in a relatively high-pressure circuit. Fluid from either of two chambers in the control valve connected to corresponding ones of the hydraulic cylinders is bled to a tank or reservoir in proportion to the movement of a control valve handle. The resulting pressure unbalance creates proportionate movement of the mechanical load. Flow controlling means in the form of a first poppet member and a second poppet carried in the first poppet and axially movable therein are in each of the valve chambers and moved from a seated to an unseated position allowing bleedoff of fluid. The poppets are springbiased and operatively connected through a ball or roller-type follower to a tapered, elongated cam member axially movable and operatively connected to the valve handle. Two additional chambers and corresponding flow controlling means can be included and to which are transmitted additional movements of the valve handle whereby a single hydraulically movable load can be controlled in a plurality of directions or two loads controlled separately or interdependently.

United states Patent [1113599 575 |72| Inventor Donald A. SlevenplperPrimary Examiner-Henry T. Klinksiek I Alden, NY. 7 Attorney-Christel andBean [2| 1 Appl. No. 9,201

[22] Filed I Feb. 6, 1970 l [45] P t d A 17, 1971 ABSTRACT: A controlvalve adapted to be connected in an 3 Assignee ATO [m5 hydraulic circuitincluding two cylinders movable against cor- Cleveland, hi 7 respondinglinear springs and connected to opposite ends of a mechanical load, suchas the spool of a master valve in a relatively high-pressure circuit.Fluid from either of two chambers in the control valve connected tocorresponding ones of the hydraulic cylinders is bled to a tank orreservoir in proportion to the movement of a control valve handle. Theresulting pressure unbalance creates proportionate movement of themechanical load. Flow controlling means in the form of a first [541-PROPORTION AL VALVE poppet member and a second poppet carried in thefirst pop- 18 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs pet and axially movable therein arein each of the valve chambers and moved from a seated to an unseatedposition allowing UsS ble dofi' of fluid The poppets are pring biasedand operative- 137/5962 137/625-6 ly connected through a ball orroller-type follower to a [51] Int. Cl Fl6k 11/10 tapered, elongated cammember axially movable and opera- [50] Field'of Search 137/6256, tivelyconnected to the valve handle Two additional cham.

63645961 bers and corresponding flow controlling means can be ineludedand to which are transmitted additional movements of [56] ReferencesCited 1 I the valve handle whereby a single hydraulically movable loadUNITED STATES PATENTS can be controlled in a plurality of directions ortwo loads con- 2,387,007 /1945 Buchanan 137/636.1 trolled separately orinterdependently.

v 7 5 4 6 K x 46 4/ i l f r l 4 1 l 4 7 I 7 I l r-a l l a? r 4a 36 L /7a41g 45 4 7 39 53 5 36 6 37 4'? 28/ j J 77 75 69A 79 72\ 87PATENTEUAUGIYIHYI 3.599.675

SHEET 1 OF 6 ATTORNEY5 PATENTED Anal 1 m1 sum 5 OF 6 INVENTQR. DQ720222O. Sim/675279002 ATTOFNE Y5.

PROPORTIONAL VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates to the valve art and, more particularly, to a valve forcontrolling the position of a fluid-actuated device or componentproportionally in response to a manual input.

The control of high-pressure hydraulic power by a manually operatedcontrol valve connected in the main or primary hydraulic circuitundesirably requires excessive human effort and, frequently 7 precludesan accurate correspondence between movement of the valve handle andmovement of the hydraulically actuated device. A proposedsolution is theaddition of a low pressure, secondary or pilot hydraulic circuit undercontrol of a manually operated pilot valve, which circuit would power amain or master valve connected in the highpressure circuit. For thisarrangement to be most effective in many situations, the pilot valveshould provide a proportional control whereby movements of the pilotvalve handle produce proportionate movements of the hydraulicallyactuated device. Moreover, this should occur with little required manualeffort in moving the valve handle. In addition, practical considerationsoften dictate that such results be obtained with a quick response timeand with a valve construction which is reasonably simple to manufactureand maintain.

. I SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION produce proportionate movements of thehydraulically actuated device and with little required manual effort inmoving the handle. w

' It is a further object of this invention to provide such a controlvalve operable with a relatively short response time and of aconstruction which is relatively simple to manufacture and convenient tomaintain.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a valve forcontrolling either a single fluid-actuated component in a plurality ofdirections or a plurality of components separately and interdependently.

The present invention provides a control valve adapted to be connectedin an hydraulic circuit including two cylinders movable againstcorresponding linear springs and connected to opposite ends of amechanical load such as the spool of a main valve in a relatively highpressure and high flow hydraulic circuit. Fluid from either of twochambers in the control valve which are connected to corresponding onesof the hydraulic cylinders is bled to a tank or reservoir in proportionto the movement of a handle of the control valve. The resulting pressureunbalance creates proportionate movement of the external device; Flowcontrolling means in each of the valve chambers are selectively andindependently moved from a seated to an unseated position allowingbleedoff of fluid response to movements of the valve handle which aretransmitted to the flow controlling means. Alternatively, two additionalchambers and corresponding flow controlling means can be included towhich are transmitted additional movements of the valve handle whereby asingle hydraulically movable load can be controlled in a plurality ofdirections or two loads controlled separately or interdependently.

The foregoing and additional advantages and characterizing features ofthe present invention will become clearly apparent upon a reading of theensuing detailed description of two illustrative embodiments thereoftogether with the included drawing depicting the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a longitudinal, crosssection view of one embodiment of the control valve of the presentinvention taken about on line -1 of FIG. 2 and showing the mannerwhereby it is connected in an hydraulic circuit for moving the spool ofa separate valve;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the control valve shown in FIG. 1;r

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view takei'i about on line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal, cross section view of another embodiment ofthe control valve of the present invention taken about on line 5-5 ofFIG. 7 and showing the manner whereby it is connected to twohydraulically movable loads for controlling movements of the same;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the control valve shown in FIG. 5;and

FIG. 7 is a plan view taken about on line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OFTHE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS ports 13 and 14,respectively. Manual operation of valve 10 is effected through a leveror handle designated generally at 15 in FIG. 1. Operating fluid for thecircuit in which valve 10 is connected is stored in a tank or reservoir16 and supplied through a line or conduit 17 to a pump 18 which,'inturn, delivers operating fluid under pressure to valve 10 through a line19 connected to pump 18 and tovalve inlet port 1 1. A line 20 connectsbleed port 12 of valve 10 to the inlet of reservoir 16 for a purposeto'be described presently.

Valve 10 functions to control the position of a fluid-actuated device orcomponent and the control is effected proportionately in response tomovement of valve handle 15 with minimal manual effort. In thisparticular illustration the hydraulically movable load is the spool 21of a valve 22 shown schematically in FIG. 1. Valve 22 would be connectedin controlling relation to another fluid system or circuit and in mostinstances this system is characterized by a significantly high operatingpressure and high flows relative to the pressure and flows controlled byvalve '10. Valve 22 is of well-known construction wherein a plurality ofaxially spaced lands on spool 21 open and close internal passagescommunicating with various ports in response to axial movement of spool21 in valve 22. A detailed description of the construction and operationof valve 22 therefore is believed unnecessary.

Spool 21 is moved axially relative to valve 22 by means of two hydrauliccylinders which, in turn, are controlled by valve 10. As shown in FIG.1, outlet port 13 of valve 10 is connected by a line 23 to the interiorof a cylinder 24 which houses a piston 25 movable axially therein.Piston 25 is operatively connected to one end of spool 21 by a rod 26,and a biasing spring 27 coaxial with rod 26 urges against piston 25 andthe housing of valve 22. In a similar manner, outlet port 14 of valve 10is connected by a line 28 to the interior of a cylinder 29 which housesa piston 30 movable axially therein. Plston 30 is operatively connectedto the opposite end of spool 21 by a rod 31, and a biasing spring 32coaxial with rod 31 urges against piston 30 and the housing of valve 22.The arrangement of springs 27 and 32 is shown schematically in FIG. 1,and in practice it is necessary to provide a shouldering arrangement forthe springs whereby any tendency of the springs to offset each other isprevented and positive centering of spool 21 is assured.

Valve 10 comprises a body 35 of cast iron or similar material which isgenerally rectangular in shape. Valve body 35 is provided with alongitudinal chamber 36 therein extending through the entire length andlocated near the side or surface into which handle extends. Chamber 36is closed at opposite ends thereof by axially spaced cap membersdesignated 37 and 38 in FIG. 1. Chamber 36 houses an axially movable cammember 39 which is operatively connected to handle 15 and to the flowcontrolling elements included in valve 10. In particular, cam 39comprises a generally hollow cylindrical element having a constantdiameter axial bore therethrough and an outer diameter which is the sameat both ends thereof but which increases slightly in opposite axialdirections from both endsof cam 39 toward the middle where the diameteris a maximum. Expressed equivalently, the outer diameter of cam member39 is a maximum about midway of the axial ends thereof and graduallydecreases in opposite axial directions. In

' effect, the outer surface of cam member 39 is tapered from each endthereof outwardly toward the midpoint along the axis thereof. v

Cam member 39 is supported for axial movement in chamber 36 in thefollowing manner. A guide rod 40 extends through the inner bore of cam39 and the opposite ends thereof are received in corresponding boresprovided in cap members 37 and 38. Theouter diameter of rod 40 isslightly less than the diameter of the inner bore of cam member 39.

The inner bore of cam 39 is enlarged slightly and for a short axialdistance at each end thereof to receive corresponding bushings 41 and 42snugly fitted therein which, in turn, are axially movable along rod 40.Cam member 39 is biased to a neutral position, such as that shown in.FIG. 1, by means of springs 43 and 44 each of which is located in acorresponding recess of cap members 37 and 38, respectively, and actsagainst an end of cam member 39. In particular, one end of spring 43contacts or urges against an inner surface of cap 37, and the other endof spring 43 urges against a retainer element 45 slidably connected onrod 40 and abutting one axialend face of cam 39. Similarly, one end ofspring 44 contacts or urges against an inner surface of cap 38, and theother end of spring 44 urges against a retainer element 46 slidablyconnected on rod 40 and abutting the opposite axial end face of cam 39.Retainers 45 and 46 also butt against shoulders included on rod 40 toprovide a definite centered location.

Handle or lever 15 comprises a ball 46 to facilitate grasping thereofconnected to one end of a rod 47, the other end of which extends into abore 48 provided in valve body 35. This end of rod 47 terminates in arelatively smaller, generally bulbous portion 49 which is received in anopening provided in the surface of cam 39. Rod 47 is pivotally connectednear this same end to valve body 35 by suitable means, for example a pin50 extending through rod 47 generally perpendicular to the axis thereofand received at corresponding ends thereof in bushings, one designated51 in FIG. 1, supported in valve body 35. A bellows member or boot 52 isattached in sealing engagement to handle rod 47 and to valve body 35. Inaddition, cam 39 is provided with circumferential grooves 53, 54 aroundthe outer surface thereof which are axially spaced in oppositedirections ashort distance from the midpoint along the-axis of cam 39.Each of the grooves 53, 54 is adapted to engage a detent member 55supported in a transverse bore in valve body 35 and which isspring-biased toward cam 39 by means of an O-ring 56. This arrangementis shown in FIG. 4 and functions to releasably lock cam 39 in thisparticular example at each 'of two outer limits of axial movement,although the exact number and location of grooves can vary dependingupon the particular application of valve 10.

Cam member 39 is operatively connected to flow controlling means invalve 10 in the following manner. Valve body 35 is provided with boresextending perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of chamber36 and communicating therewith. In particular, each bore comprises afirst portion extending from chamber 36 to a point slightly beyond theaxis of exhaust-or bleed port 12 which first portions eachdefinechambers 60 and 61. Preferably the axes of chambers 60, 61 lie inthe same plane. Each bore further comprises a second, relatively smallerdiameter portion extending from chambers 60 and 61, respectively, anddefining chambers 62 and 63 communicating with valve outlet ports 14 and13, respectively, in a manner which will be described presently. Valvebody 35 is provided with two additional bores, the axes of which aredisposed perpendicular with respect to the axes of chambers 60 and 61whereby valve inlet port 11 and exhaust or bleed port 12 eachcommunicate with the flow controlling means. In particular, a bore 64,the axis of which is substantially coincident with that of port 12,extends through valve body 35 as shown in FIG. 1 in a manner whereby itdefines a passage connecting chambers 60 and 61 with each other and withexhaust port 12. In a similar manner a bore 65, the axis of which issubstantially parallel with respect to the axis of bore 64, extends fromvalve inlet port 11 into valve body 35 to both of the smaller diameterchambers 62 and 63 thereby defining a passage connecting them togetherand to inlet port 1 1.

Included within chamber 60 is a first poppet member 66 which isgenerally hollow cylindrical in shape and adapted to move axially withinchamber 60. A ball or roller-type follower 67 is seated within poppet 66at one axial end thereof, and the surface of ball 67 contacts the outersurface of cam member 39 at one end thereof as shown in FIG, 1. AnO-ring 68 is positioned between ball 67 and a surface of the interior ofpoppet 66 to provide a fluidtight seal between valve chambers 36 and 60.Another O-ring 69 is positioned in a circumferential groove in the outersurface of poppet member 66 and contacts the wall of chamber 60 for thesame purpose. Poppet member 66 has a smaller outer diameter portion atthe other end thereof around which is positioned a spring 70. One end ofspring 70 urges against the end wall of chamber 60 and the other end ofspring 70 urges against an outer surface of poppet member 66 whereby itis urged in a direction toward cam member 39 and ball 67 thus is urgedinto contact with the tapered outer surface of cam member 39 on oneside'of the midpoint thereof.

Seated within poppet member 66 is a second poppet member 71 in the formof a hollow cylinder closed at one end. The outer diameter of poppet 71is slightly less than the diameter of the inner bore through poppet 66over a major portion of the axial length of poppet 66 whereby poppet 71is axially movable therein. Poppet 71 is retained in poppet 66 at oneend thereof, so as to be carried therein, by an annular seat defined atthe juncture of the relatively larger diameter portion of the inner borethrough poppet 66 and the remaining portion which is of a diameter lessthan the outer diameter of poppet 71. The open end of poppet 71 is adisposed toward ball 67 and a spring 72 is received in poppet 71',contacting a portion thereof, and extends axially into contact with ball67. A small diameter, laterally offset bore 73 is provided in the endwall of poppet 71 whereby the interiorthereof is in fluid communicationwith the chamber 60.

An identical arrangement of poppets, springs and ball is located withinchamber 61. In particular, a first generally hol-- low cylindricalpoppet member 76 is movable axially within chamber 61, and a ball orroller-type follower 77 is seated within poppet 76 at one axial endthereof so that the surface of ball 77 is in. contact with the outersurface of cam member 39 at the other end thereof. An O-ring 78 ispositioned between ball 77 and a surface of the interior of poppet 76,and another O-ring 79 is received in a circumferential groove in theouter surface of poppet 76 and is in contact with the wall of chamber61. A spring 80 positioned around a smaller diameter portion of poppet76 at the other end urges against the end wall of chamber 61 and againstan outer surface of poppet 76 whereby it is urged in a direction towardcam member 39 and ball 77 thus is urged into contact with the taperedouter surface of cam member 39 on the other side of the midpointthereof. Seated within poppet 76 is a second poppet member 81 in theform of a hollow cylinder closed at one end. Poppet 81 is movableaxially within poppet member 76 toward ball 77 and is limited inopposite axial movement and thus carried in poppet 76 by an annular seatdefined by a smaller diameter inner portion of poppet 76 at the end nearspring 80. The open end of poppet 81 is disposed toward ball 77, and aspring 82 is received in poppet-81 and extends axially into contact withball 77. A small diameter laterally offset bore 83 is provided in theend wall of poppet 81 whereby the interiorthereof is in fluidcommunication with the chamber 61.

Positioned within chamber 62 is a nozzle member or jet 90 which isgenerally hollow cylindrical in shape. One end of nozzle 90 extends intochamber 60 within poppet 66 and in contact with the end wall of poppet71. In the position shown in FIG. 1, poppet 71 is seated on the one 'endof nozzle 90 thereby closing off the interior thereof, which can beconsidered a chamber, from fluid communication with chamber 60. Firstand second O-rings 91 and 92, respectively, are received incorresponding axially spaced, circumferential grooves provided in, theouter surface of' nozzle member 90 and are in fluidtight contact withthe wall of chamber 62. Along a portion of the region between O-rings 91and 92, the outer diameter of nozzle member 90 is less than the diameterof chamber 62 thereby defining an annular space or passage which, as canbe seen in FIG. 1, also is in fluid communication with the passagedefined by bore 65. A small diameter bore or aperture 93 extends throughthe wall of nozzle member 90 and is axially located thereon so that theinterior of'nozzle 90 is in fluid communication with bore 65 throughaperture 93. Nozzle 9,0 is positioned within chamber 62 so as to leave asmall portion ofjchamber 62 vacant and thus adapted to receive one endof a 90 flare fitting 94-, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1, theother end of which defines valve, outlet port 14. An O-ring 95 providesa fluidtight seal between fitting 94 and the wall of chamber 62. Thechamber defined by the interior of nozzle 90 thus is in fluidcommunication with valve outlet port 14. I

A similar arrangement of nozzle and fitting is. included inchamber 63.In particular, a generally hollow cylindrical nozzle member orjet 100vispositioned within chamber 63, and one end. of nozzle 100 extends intochamber'61' within poppet 76' and in contact with the end wallvof poppet81. In.- the position. shown in FIG. 1, poppet 81 is seated on theoneend of nozzle IOQthereby closing off the interior thereof, which canbe;considered: a, chamber, from fluid communication with chamben 6h. Firstand second: O-rings 101 and 102,. respectively, are receivedincorresponding axially spaced, circumferential groovesv provided in theouter surface of nozzle member 1,0,0 and are in fl'uidtight contact withthe wall of chamber 63. Along a portion of the region between O-rings10.1" and 102', theouter diameter of nozzle member 1'00is-less than thediameter of chamber 63 thereby defining an annular space or passagewhich,.in:addition, isinr fluid. communication with the passagtivdefined? by bore65. A small. diameter bore or aperture103aextendsthrough the wall of nozzle member 100 andis;locatedfaxially,thereonsothatathe interior of nozzle 100 is, in.fluid, communication with bore 65- through aperture 103. Nozzle 1001ispositionedwithin. chamber 63' so asto leave a 1 small portion of chamber631 vacant and: thus adapted: to

receive one end of a 90 flare fitting 104, the other end. ofwhichdefinesvalve outlet. port 13'. The chamber defined by the interiorofa'nozzle 100? thus isconnectedl to valve outlet port 13. An. Owing 105provides a fluidtighti seal between. fittingd04iandathe wall -of:chamber 631 Valve can, be, mountedi at. a: desired location and tothisend-,mountingbrackets. l06and 1.07are provided1asshown-in FIGS. 2.4.and; are secured to valve body. 35' by suitable means, such. as bolts.1,08. extending therethrough andi anchoredby.lockwashers109.:andg-jamnut 1.10.

The system'of. FIG. 1 isina standby, or neutralsoperating condition:whenhandle of, valve, 10 is inaposition which. maintains poppets 7.1 and81: seated: on the, corresponding: ends of; nozzles. 90. and.100,,respectively, theflow orbleedoffi of, any fluid'fromthe.interiorsof' nozzles 90: and. l00.=into chambers 60- and 61-,respectively. In the preferredjarrangementshown in FIG. lhandle,l5'is.inaevertical aposition when the-valve isinthis condition;Operatingfluid' for, valve l0=is;suppliedeby pump18'atadesiredipressure, for

thereby preventing example 500 p.s.i., and enters through port 11 intobore 65. From bore 65 some fluid enters the interior of nozzle 100through aperture 103 and the remainder circumvents aperture 103 throughthe annular passage in proximity thereto, travels further along theremaining portion of bore 65, whereupon the fluid enters the interior ofnozzle through aperture 93.

Poppets 71 and 81 carried in poppets 66 and 76, respectively, preventany flow of fluid out of the corresponding ends of nozzles 90 and 100,respectively, in the neutral condition illustrated in FIG. 1. lnotherwords, the poppets when seated seal chambers 60 and 61 from the chambersdefined by the interiors of nozzles 90 and 100, respectively. Therefore,all of the operating fluid flows out from the other ends of nozzles 90and 100, respectively, into the corresponding fittings 94, 104 andthence out of valve 10 through outlet ports 14 and 13, respectively.Fluid is conducted from valve outlets 13 and 14 through correspondinglines 32 and 28 to the interiors of cylinders 24 and 29, respectively.Operating fluid thus acts on both pistons 25 and 30 which are connectedrigidly to spool 21 of valve .22. Since the pressure in both lines 23,28 is equal during this condition, a standby or neutral position ofvalve stem 21 is maintained. This position of valve stem 21 would, ofcourse, correspond to a particular desired operating condition in theseparate hydraulic circuit (not shown) in which valve 22 is connected incontrolling relation. When springs 27, 32 are of equal elasticity, whichis often the case, the springs are in the same condition and thus valvestem 21 is midway of its axial path or thus displaced slightly to theleft from its illustrative position in FIG. 1.

Assume now that a given desired change in the operating characteristicsof this separate hydraulic system can be obtained by a slight axialmovement of valve spool 21 to the left from its neutral or standbyposition. This movement is effected by a pressure unbalance betweenlines 23 and 28, more specifically by a reduction in the pressure inline. 28, which pressure-unbalance is created by valve 10 in thefollowing manner. Handle 15 is moved manually so as to be pivoted aboutpin 50 a small distance to the left in FIG. 1. Cam member 39 as a.result is moved. to the right, it being axially movable along guide rod40'. Ball 67 is in contact with a progressively decreasing diameterportion of cam member 39, and the assembly of poppet 66, ball 67 andpoppet 71 is moved axially in chamber 60 toward cam 39 by the force ofspring 70. The axial movement of poppet 66 movesthe end" wall. of poppet71 awayfrom the corresponding end'of nozzle 90'. In other words,,themovement of handle 15 and cam 39 unseats poppet 71 from nozzle 90. Ascam' member 39 is moved to the right to unseat poppet 71, poppet 81remains seated on the corresponding end of nozzle 1.00. This is because:ball 77 is.in. contact with a progressively increasing diameter portionof cam member 39 thereby causingpoppet 76 and ball 7-7 to. move axiallytowardthe end wall'ofi chamber 61; against the force of spring 80. and,as aresult, maintaining the end wall of poppet 81 in contact with thecorresponding endof nozzle The. unseating of poppet 71 from nozzle 90'causes a bleedoff or exhaustiofoperating fluid from the interior ofnozz-le90'1and, hence, from-linez28; The amountoffluidlexhausted dependsupon the extent to which poppet 71 is unseated which, in turn, isproportional to the extent of axialmovement of cam 39 and arcuatemovement of handle 15. Fluidexhaustedifromrtheinterior of nozzle 90enters chamber 60 from which it. is conducted by bore 64 to chamber 61and from.

there. through theremaining portion of bore 64 to'valve exhaust port1'2'and through line 20 to reservoir 16.

The bleeding of operatingfluid from line 28 causesla pressure droptherein, andthe pressure in line 23 remains at the relatively. higherstandby level. As a result, the force actingon piston 25' andiagainstspring 27 is momentarily greater than the force acting on piston 30 andagainst spring, Valve spool 21. thuswill'be moveda distance totheleft'inFlG; 1 until the; force provided by the pressure ofoperati'nggfl'uidiin line 23 is balanced by the force ofspring 27'andthe'forceprovided by the pressure in line 28. A new equilibrium positionof valve spool 21 is reached and will be maintained as long as handle 46is held in position.

Springs 27 and 32 connected to pistons 25 and 30, respectively, havelinear force-displacement characteristics. The amount of operating fluidexhausted from the system is proportional to the extent of movement ofhandle 15. As a result, a proportional relationship between the extentof movement of valve spool 21 and handle 15 results within the limits ofmovement of the handle. In the illustrative example of FIG. 1, handle 15is movable through an angle of about 24 in either direction from itsstandby or vertical position. Valve 10 can be releasably locked atpreselected locations along the arcuate path of handle by means of thecooperative engagement between detent 55 and either of the grooves 53,54in cam member 39.

The pairs of corresponding poppets 66, 71' and 76, 81 together with theassociated biasing springs comprise first and second flow controllingmeans positioned in chambers 60 and 61, respectively. Handle or lever 15connected to cam member 39 spring biased in the valve body togethercomprise a motion'transmitting means which is operatively connected tothe first and second flow controlling means through balls 67 and 77,respectively.

By proceeding through a similar analysis, one can see that when amovement of valve spool 21 to the right is desired, handle 15 of valve10 is pivoted to the right. Poppet 71 remains seated on nozzle 90, butpoppet 81 is unseated from the corresponding end of nozzle 100. Aproportional amount of operating fluid is bled or exhausted from theinterior of nozzle 100 and line 23 to chamber 61 through port 12, andinto reservoir 16. As a result, the pressure in line 23 drops and theforce acting on piston 25 is less than theforce acting against pistonand spring 32 provided by operating fluid in line 28. Valve spool 21 isthen moved to the right until the force of fluidin line 28 equals theforce of spring 32 and of fluid in line 23. A new equilibrium positionof valve spool 21 is reached such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. p

Movement of handle 15 in either direction is against the elastic forceof the springs 43, 44, and handle 15 is returned to a definite centeredlocation by the springs in cooperation with the aforementioned retainers45, 46 which abut corresponding shoulders on rod 40. Springs 72 and 82positioned within poppets 71 and 81, respectively, hasten the closing ofa previously opened one of the corresponding nozzles 90, 100 when handle15 is returned'toward the standby position thereby shortening the valveresponse time. This is because the force of each spring 72, 82 isgreater than any force developed by fluid in valve 10. In addition, theprovision of spring-biased inner poppets 71, 81 movable withincorresponding outer poppets 66, 76, accommodates the variations whichcan occur in the length of nozzle members 90, 100 and which couldotherwise cause improper seating of poppets 71, 81 on the nozzle ends.The location of the inner annular seat in poppet members 66, 76 will bedetermined, in part, by the known tolerance in the length of nozzles 90,100. Bores 73 and 83 in poppets 71 and 81, respectively, maintain apressure equality between the interiors of poppets 71, 81 and chambers60, 61 for the purpose of eliminating chatter between inner and outerpoppets. Being offset, they do not interfere with closing of thenozzles.

FIGS. 5-7 shown another embodiment of the present invention whereby theaxial movements of two or more fluid-actuated devices or components canbe controlled separately or interdependently or whereby the movement ofa single load can be controlled in a plurality of directions. A controlvalve 120 constructed in accordance with this embodiment of the presentinvention includes a body or housing 121 provided with an inlet port122, a bleed or exhaust port 123 and four outlet ports124-127 as shownin FIG; 5. Manual operation of valve 120 is effected through a lever orhandle designated at 128. Valve 120 would be supplied with operatingfluid in a manner identical to that in which valve 10 of FIG. 1 issupplied. In particular, valve inlet port 122 would be connected througha line to a pump P, and valve exhaust port 123 would be connectedthrough another line to a tank or reservoir T which, in turn, would beconnected to the pump.

Valve can be employed to control the movement of a single hydraulicallyactuated-device or component in four mutually perpendicular directionsor vectors therebetween. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 5,valve 120 can be employed to control the axial movements of twohydraulically actuated devices either independently or in combination.To this end, valve outlet ports 124 and 125 are connected throughcorresponding lines to hydraulic cylinders each operatively connectedthrough springs to a load for causing movement thereof in two oppositedirections. In particular,.block H shown in FIG. 5 connected to valveports 124, 125 schematically represents the combination of valve spool,two hydraulic cylinders and corresponding springs as shown in FIG. 1. Ina similar manner, valve outlet ports 126, 127 are connected throughcorresponding lines to a second load, designated generally at H whichcan comprise another valve spool, two hydraulic cylindersand-corresponding springs like those of FIG. 1.

Valvebody 121 can vbe formed from cast iron or similar material and begenerally rectangular in shape. A first longitudinal chamber 129a isprovided in valve body 121 and extends through the entire length thereofand is located near the side or surface into which handle 128 extends.Chamber 129a is extended in length beyond the dimension of valve body121 by axially spaced bushings 130, 131 connected in valve body 121, andchamber 129a is closed at each end by axially spaced cap members 132 and133 connected to bushings and 131, respectively. A second longitudinalchamber 12% communicating with chamber 129a is provided in valve body121, the axis of which is disposed at right angles relative to the axisof chamber 129a. Chamber 12912 is extended at opposite ends thereof byaxially spaced bushings 13 4, 135 connected to valve body 121 and isclosed by cap member 136 and 137 connected to bushings 134 and 135,respectively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Handle or lever 128 comprises a ball 138 to facilitate grasping thereofconnected to one end of a rod 139, the other end of which extends intothe space common to chambers 129a and 129b' whereupon the end of rod 139terminates in a generally bulbous portion 140. ,A cover member 141closes the chambers 129a and 12% along one common side thereof whichcover 141 is provided'with a central opening through which rod 139 ofhandle 128 extends. An annular member 142 having a semispherical outersurface is fixedly secured on rod 139 near portion by means of retainerrings 143, which member 142 is joumaled in.a spherical bearing 144which, in turn, is seated in the opening of cover member 41 against anannular, inwardly extending shoulder or ridge and held therein by aretainer ring 145. A boot or bellows member 146 is attached at one endthereof to rod 139 and at the other end thereof to cover member 141.

Chamber 129a houses first and second axially movable cam members 150 and151, respectively, each of which is in operative contact with handle 128and each of which is operatively connected to corresponding flowcontrolling means in valve 120. Chamber 129b likewise houses identicalfirst and second axially movable cam members, one of which is shown at151a in FIG. 5, each of which is in operative contact with handle 128and each of which cam members is operatively connected to theflowcontrolling means in valve 120. Referring now to FIG. 5, cam member150 in preferred form comprises a generally cylindrical element having aconstant diameter internal bore extending along a major portion of thelength thereof. The outer diameter of cam 150 increases slightly overthe axial length thereof, the smaller diameter end being in contact withhandle 128. In effect, the outer surface of cam 150 is tapered slightlyover the length thereof. The outer surfaces of cams 150, 151 moreover,each can be provided with a slight step or rise 152, 153, respectively,and near the larger diameter end for a purpose to be described. Cam 151and the other two cam members in chamber 12% are of identical shape andsize. While the cam members are of generally cylindrical shape having atapered outer surface, the cams can be of other shapes which willprovide the needed operating surfaces thereon.

Cam 150 is supported for axial movement in chamber 129a in the followingmanner. A guide rod 154 extends at one end thereof into the inner boreof cam 150 and is axially movable within a bushing 155 fitted in thebore. The other end of guide rod 154, which is of a slightly smallerdiameter, extends through .bushing 130 into the interior of cap member132 where it is held against axial movement by a nut 156. A spring 157is positioned on rod 154, one end of which spring abuts the end surfaceof bushing 130 and the outer end of which urges against a retainermember 158 which is axially movable on guide rod 154 and which is incontact with the axial end face of cam 150. Retainer'158 also buttsagainst a shoulder on rod 15410 provide a definite centered location.Cam 151 is supported for axial movement in chamber 1290 by an identicalarrangement including a guide rod 159, one end of which extends into theinner bore of cam 151 and is axially movable within a bushing 160 fittedin the bore. The other, slightly smaller diameter end of rod 159 extendsthrough bushing 131 into the interior of cap 133 where it is anchored bya nut 161. A spring 162 is placed on rod 159, one end of which urgesagainst an inner surface of bushing 131, and the other end of whichurges a retainer member 163, axially movable on rod 159, into contactwith the axial end face of cam 151. Retainer 163 also butts against ashoulder on rod 159 to provide a definite centered location. Anidentical supporting arrangement'is provided for each of the two camswhich are axially.

movable in chamber 12%.

The flow controlling means included in valve 120 are four in number andeach is of a construction identical with that of the flow, controllingmeans included in valve shown in FIGS. l.4 and each is in operativecontact with a corresponding one of the four cam members. Valve body 121is provided with first and second chambers 170 and 171, respectively,each of which communicates with chamber 129a and has an axis generallyperpendicular with respect to the axis of chamber 129a. In like manner,two other chambers are provided in. valve body 121 communicating withchamber 12% and extending generally perpendicular with respect to theaxis of chamber 12%. The four chambers are connected to each other andto bleed port 123 through passages defined by mutually' perpendicularbores 172 and 173 shown in FIG. 5. The

chambers 170 and 171 are in fluid communication with outlet ports '125and 124, respectively, through relatively smaller diameter chambers 174and 175, respectively. Likewise, outlet ports 126 and 127 are connectedthrough two small diameter chambers to the two chambers extending fromchamber 12%. The four smaller diameter chambers are connected to eachother and to valve inlet port 122 through passages defined by mutuallyperpendicular bores 176 and 177.

vValve chamber 170 houses a first poppet member 178 axially movabletherein and generally hollow cylindrical in shape. A second, generallycup-shaped poppet member 179 is movable within poppet member 178 along amajor portion of, the axial length of poppet 178, and the end wall ofpoppet 179 normally seats against an annular seat defined in theinterior of poppet 178. A ball 180 seated in one end of poppet 178 is inoperative contact with cam member 150, and an O-ring 181 providesa fluidseal between ball 180 and the interior of poppet 178. A spring 182, oneend of which contacts ball element 180, is received at the other end inpoppet member 179 and urges against the end wall thereof whereby theouter end wall of poppet 179 is urged into contact with the annularseatdefined on the inner surface of poppet member 178. A small diameter,laterally offset aperture 183 is provided through the end wall of innerpoppet member 179. A spring 184, one end of which urges against thebottom wall of chamber 170, and the other end of which urges against aportion of the outer surface of poppet member 178, maintains ball inoperative contact with cam member 150. An O-ring 185 is received in acircumferential groove in poppet 178 and is in fluid sealing contactwith the wall of chamber 170.

The other three chambers included in valve body 121 house similararrangements of flow controlling components. For example, chamber 171,also shown in FIG. 5, houses a first poppet member 186 which is axiallymovable within the chamber. A second, generally cup-shaped poppet member187 is movable within poppet member 186 along a major portion of theaxial length thereof, and the end wall of poppet 187 normally restsagainst an annular seat defined in the interior of poppet 186. A ball188 is seated against one end of poppet member 186 and is in operativecontact with cam 151. An O-ring-l89 is positioned between poppet 186 andball element 188. A spring 190 is in contact at one end thereof withball element 188 and urges against the inner end wall of poppet member187. A small diameter, laterally offset aperture 191 is provided intheend wall of poppet member 187. Ball 188 is maintained in operativecontact with cam element 151 by means of a spring 192, one end of whichurges against the bottom wall of chamber 171 and the other end of whichurges against a portion of the outer surface of poppet member 187. Afluid seal between the outer surface of poppet 186 and the wall ofchamber 171 is provided by an O-ring 193 received in a circumferentialgroove provided in poppet member 186. As previously stated, a similararrangement of poppets, ball and springs is included in each of theother two chambers which extend from chamber 12%.

Positioned within chamber 174 is a nozzle member or jet 200 which isgenerally hollow cylindrical inshape; One end of nozzle 200 extends intochamber 170 within poppet 178 and in contact with the end wall of poppet179. In the position shown in FIG. 5, poppet 179 is seated on the oneend of nozzle 200 thereby closing off the interior thereof, which can beconsidered a chamber, from fluid communication with chamber 170. Firstand second O-rings 201 and 202, respectively, are received incorresponding axially spaced, circumferential grooves provided in theouter surface of nozzle 200 and the diameter of nozzle member 200 isless than a portion of the diameter of chamber 174 between the O-ringsthereby defining an annular passage or space which is in fluidcommunication with bore 176. The interior of nozzle 200 is in fluidcommunication with this passage by means of a small diameter aperture203 extending through the wall of nozzle 200. The other end of nozzle200 is in fluid communication with a 90 flare fitting 204 connected invalve body 121, the external end of which fitting 204 defines outletport 125.

A similar arrangement is included in each of the other three chambers invalve body 121. For example, chamber 175 includes a nozzle 205, one endof which extends into chamber 171 within poppet 186 and in contact withthe end wall of poppet 187. First and second O-rings 206, 207 arereceived in corresponding axially spaced circumferential grooves innozzle 205, and an annular passage or space is defined between nozzle205 and the wall of chamber 175 between O-rings206, 207. The interior ofnozzle 205, which may be considered a chamber, is in fluid communicationwith this annular space and hence bore 176 by means of a small diameteraperture 208extending through the wall of nozzle 205. The other end ofnoule 200 is in fluid communication with a 90 flare fitting 209connected in valve body 121, the external end of which fitting 209defines outlet port 124. A similar nozzle is included in eachof theother two chambers extending from chamber 12%, the interior of eachnozzle communicating with a corresponding one of the flare fittings 210,211 connected in valve body 121.

Valve 120 can be mounted at a desired location and for this purposemounting brackets 215, 216 are provided as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and aresecured to valve body 121 by suitable means, such as bolts 217 extendingtherethrough and anchored by lockwashers 218 and jam nuts 219.

Valve 120 operates in the following manner to control the movements ofloads H and H connected thereto as shown in FIG. 5. Movements of handleor lever 128 in the plane of the drawing result in movement of the valvespool or similar component in load H in one of two directions dependingupon the direction of movement of handle 128. Movements of handle 128along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing cause movementsof the valve spool or similar component of load H, depending upon thedirection of movement of handle 128. In particular, movement of handle128 to the left and in the plane of the drawing moves cam. 151 to theright against spring 162. Cam 150 is moved to the right by the force ofspring 157 and thereby maintained in operative contact with handle 128,specifically with enlargement 140. As a result ball 188 is contacted byan increasingly smaller surface portion of cam 151 thereby allowingmovement of poppet 186 toward cam 151. Poppet 187 is carried upwardlyand unseated from the end of nozzle 205 so as to allow a bleedoff orexhaust of operatingfluid from the interior of nozzle 205 into chamber171 and out from port 123 into reservoir T. Hall 180, on the other hand,is contacted by an increasingly larger surface portion of cam 150therebymaintaining poppet 179 seated on the end of nozzle 200 and thus sealingthe interior thereof from fluid communication with chamber 170.

Operating pressure in the'line connected to valve outlet port 124 islowered relative to the pressure in the line connected to valveport'125, and the component in load H is moved to the right until anequilibrium position is reached. The amount of operating fluid exhaustedfrom the system is proportional to the extent of movement of handle 128,and when load H includes two hydraulic cylinders connected throughcorresponding linear springs to a component, such as the load shown inFIG. 1, movements of the component are proportional to movements ofvalve handle 128. By proceeding through a similar analysis, it isapparent that a movement of handle 128 to the right will cause aproportionate movement of the component of load H to the the right.Poppet 187 remains seated on nozzle 205, but poppet 179 is unseated fromthe end of nozzle 200 thus allowing operating fluid to be bled orexhausted from the interior thereof to chamber 170 and thence throughbore 172 and port 123 to tank T. The pressure in the line connected tooutlet port 125 is lowered relative to port 124 and a movement to theright accordingly results until an equilibrium position is obtained.

An identical series of movements of the components of load I H, occursin response to movements of handle 128 along a path in a planeperpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The operating pressure isreduced in either of the two lines connecting valve outlet ports 126,127 to load H depending upon the direction of movement of handle 128.The pressure reduction, in turn, results from selective bleedoff orexhaust from the interiors of nozzles connected to ports 126, 127corresponding chambers through bore 173 and then through bore 172 andvalve port 123 to reservoir T.

The fact that handle or lever 128 is journaled in spherical bearing 144allows universal movement thereof, and this universal mounting permitsmovement along either quadrature axes or any vector therebetween. As aresult, both loads H, and H, can be caused to move in unison in responseto a single movement of handle 128. For example, a movement of handle128 from left to right at an angle to the plane of the drawing and fromrearwardly to forwardly of the plane would unseat poppet 187 from nozzle205 and the poppet from the corresponding nozzle located in valve body121 forwardly of the plane of the drawing whereby a pressure reductionwould occur in the line connection valve outlet port 124 to load H andin the line connecting outlet port 127 to load H From the foregoing, itshould be apparent that a single load movable in four mutuallyperpendicular directions could be operatively connected to fourhydraulic cylinders which, in turn, are connected through correspondinglines to valve outlet ports 124-127. Corresponding linear springs wouldbe connected between pistons and load, as in the arrangement of FIG. 1,and proportionate movements in the load would be caused by movements ofhandle 128.

The four pairs of corresponding poppets, including poppets 178, 179 and186, 187 together with the associated biasing springs comprise flowcontrolling means each positioned in a corresponding one of fourchambers in valve body 121. Handle or lever 128 operatively connected tothe four cam members, including cams 150, 151 spring-biased in valvebody 121 comprise motion transmitting means operatively connected toflow controlling means through balls, two of which are shown at 180, 188in FIG. 5.

Movements of handle or lever 128 are against the elastic force of thevarious springs which bias corresponding ones of the cam members in amanner analogous to that of valve 10, and handle 128 is returned to adefinite centered location by the springs in cooperation with theaforementioned retainers which abut corresponding shoulders on the rods.Valve response time is shortened by the provision of springs within theinner poppets, such as springs 182, 190 inpoppets 179, 187,respectively. Variations in nozzle lengthv are accommodated by thearrangement of spring-biased inner poppets movable within correspondingouter poppets in a manner identical to that of valve 10. The innerpoppets are provided with offset bores for the purpose of eliminatingchatter, such as bores 183 and 191 in poppets 179 and 187, respectively.Each of the cam members is provided with a step or rise, such as thatshown at 152 and 153 on cam members 150 and 151, respectively, for thepurpose of enabling valve to respond quickly to movement of handle 128away from the neutral or standby position and thereby overcomemechanical inertia present in the system.

.It is therefore apparent that the present invention accomplishes itsintended objects. While two specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described inv detail, this has been done by way ofillustration without though of limitation.

I claim:

1. A fluid control valve comprising:

a. a body having an inlet port, an exhaust port and a pair of outletports;

b. first and second chambers in said body;

c. passage means connecting said first and second chambers to saidexhaust port;

d. means in said valve body defining third and fourth chambersconnecting said first and second chambers, respectively, with acorresponding one of said outlet ports;

e. passage means connecting said third and fourth chambers to said inletport;

f. first and second flowcontrolling means in said first and secondchambers, respectively, each of said flow controlling means beingmovable in its chamber from a seated position sealing its said chamberfrom a corresponding one of said third and fourth chambers to anunseated position wherein said flow controlling means allows fluid flowbetween the two chambers, and

g. motion transmitting means operatively connected to each of said firstand second flow controlling means and including a linearly movableelement, said motion transmitting element. having a neutral positionwherein said first and second flow controlling means both are maintainedin said seated position, and said motion transmitting element beingmovable out of said neutral position in directions unseating either ofsaid flow controlling means while maintaining the other of said flowcontrolling means in said seated position.

2. The fluid control valve defined in claim 1 wherein each of said flowcontrolling means comprises:

a. a first poppet member axially movable in a corresponding one of saidfirst and second chambers;

b. a second poppet member carried by said first poppet member so as tobe moved thereby from a seated position blocking a corresponding one ofsaid third and fourth chambers to an unseated position; and

c. a spring urging said first poppet into operative contact with saidmotion transmitting means.

3. The fluid control valve defined in claim 2 wherein said second poppetis axially movable within said first poppet and wherein said valvefurther comprises:

a. a follower positioned in operative contact between said first poppetand said motion transmitting element; and

b. a spring contacting said follower and said second poppet.

4. The fluid control valve defined in claim 1 wherein said motiontransmitting element comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical cammember supported in a chamber in said valve body for axial movement inboth directions along a line perpendicular to the direction of movementof each of said first and second flow controlling means, said cam memberhaving equal diameters at opposite ends thereof and a relatively largerdiameter about midway from the ends thereof.

5. The fluid control valve defined in claim 4 further including amanually operable lever pivotally connected to said valve body andoperatively connected at one end to said cam.

6. The fluid control valve defined in claim 1 wherein said I meansdefining third and fourth chambers each comprises a generally hollowcylindrical nozzle member, one end of which extends into a correspondingone of said first and second chambers, the other end of which is incommunication with a corresponding one of said valve outlet ports, saidnozzle having a bore therethrough' intermediate the ends thereofWhereby'the nozzle interior is in fluid communication with said passageconnected to said valve inlet port.

7. In combination with the fluid control valve defined in claim .1:

a. a source of operating fluid under pressure connected to said valveinlet port; b. first and second fluid cylinders each having a pistonreciprocable therein;

c. means connecting said first and second fluid cylinders tocorresponding ones of said valve outlet ports;

d. a mechanical load adapted for reciprocal movement along anaxis, saidload being connected at opposite ends thereof to corresponding ones ofsaid cylinder pistons; and

e. first and second elastic members each having linear forcedisplacementcharacteristics and each connected at one end to a corresponding one ofsaid cylinder pistons and at the other end to a rigid body. I g

8. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said mechanical loadcomprises a spool movable in the body of a master valve connected in aseparate fluid circuit.

9. The combination defined in claim 8 wherein each of said elasticmembers comprises a spring comprises a spring positioned on the rod of acorresponding one of said cylinder pistons and connected at one end tothe piston and at the other end to the body of said master valve.

10. A fluid control valve comprising:

a. a body having an inlet port, an exhaust port and a pair of outletports;

b. a generally cylindrical cam member supported for limited axialmovement in a chamber in said valve body, the outer diameter of said cammember being a maximum about midway of the axial ends thereof andgradually decreasing in opposite axial directions; I

c. a manually operable lever pivotally connected to said valve body andoperatively connected at one end thereof to said cam member;

d. first and second chambers in said valve body extending from thechamber in which said cam member is movable;

e. passage means connecting said first and second chambers to said bleedor exhaust port;

f. a first, generally hollow cylindrical poppet member positioned ineach of said first and second chambers;

g. a follower seated in one end of said first poppet member and inoperative contact with the outer surface of said cam member;

h. a spring positioned in each of said first and second chambers urgingsaid first poppet toward said cam member;

i. a second poppet member carried in said first poppet member andaxially movable therein;

j. a spring positioned in said first poppet member, one end of saidspring being in contact with said second poppet member and the other endin contact with said follower;

k. first and second generally hollow cylindrical nozzle memberspositioned in said valve bodyso that one end thereof extends into acorresponding one of said first and second chambers and so that theinteriors of said first and second nozzles are in communication withcorresponding ones of said valve outlet ports, said second poppetmembers normally sealing the interiors of corresponding ones of saidfirst and second nozzles from said first and second chambers; and

l. passage means connecting the interiors of said first and secondnozzles each to said valve inlet port.

11. A fluid control valve comprising:

a. a body having an inlet port, an exhaust port and four outlet ports;

b. four chambers in said body;

0. passage means connecting each of said four chambers to said bleed orexhaust port;

d. four hollow generally cylindrical nozzle members in said body each ofsaid nozzle members being positioned so that one end is in fluidcommunication with a corresponding one of said four chambers and so thatthe opposite end of said nozzle is connected to a corresponding one ofsaid four outlet ports;

e. passage means connecting the interiors of said nozzles each to saidinlet port;

f. flow controlling means in each of said four chambers, each of saidflow controlling means being movable in the chamber wherein it islocated from a seated position sealing the chamber from the interior ofa corresponding one of said nozzle members to an unseated positionwherein said flow controlling means allows a flow of fluid from thenozzle interior to the chamber;

g. four motion transmitting'elements each axially movable in said valvebody and positioned so as to be operatively connected to a correspondingone of said flow controlling means, each of said elements having atapered outer surface whereby in response to axial movement thereof thecorresponding flow controlling means is moved between seated andunseated positions; and

h. a manually operable lever journaled in said valve body for universalmovement and operatively connected at one end to each of said motiontransmitting elements.

12. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11 wherein the axes of saidmotion transmitting elements are disposed in mutually perpendicularrelation.

13. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11 wherein each of saidmotion transmitting elements is provided with a slight step or rise inthe outer surface intermediate the ends thereof.

14. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11 wherein each of saidflow controlling means comprises;

a. a first poppet member axially movable in the corresponding chamber;

b. a second poppet member carried by said first poppet member so as tobe moved thereby from a seated position on the end of a correspondingone of said nozzles to an unseated position; and

c. a spring urging said first poppet member into operative contact witha corresponding one of said cams.

15. The fluid control valve defined in claim 14 wherein said secondpoppet is axially movable within said first poppet and wherein saidvalve further comprises:

a. a follower positioned in operative contact between said first poppetand a corresponding one of said motion transmitting elements; and

b. a spring contacting said follower and said second poppet.

16. In combination with the fluid control valve defined in claim 1 l:

a. a first hydraulic circuit connected to two of said outlet ports andincluding a mechanical load movable in two directions;

b. a second hydraulic circuit connected to the remaining two of saidoutlet ports and including a mechanical load movable in two directions;and

c. a source of operating fluid under pressure connected to said valveinlet port.

17. The combination defined in claim 16 wherein each of said first andsecond hydraulic circuits further includes:

a. first'and second fluid cylinders each having a piston reciprocabletherein in response to the flow of said operating fluid;

b. said mechanical load being connected at opposite ends thereof tocorresponding ones of said cylinder pistons; and

c. first and second elastic members each having linear forcedisplacementcharacteristics and each connected at one end to a corresponding one ofsaid cylinder pistons and at the other end to a rigid body.

18. In combination with the fluid control valve defined in claim 11:

a. a single mechanical load reciprocable along two independent axes;

b. two pair of hydraulic cylinders, each pair operatively connected tosaid load with the two cylinders comprising the pair at opposite ends ofsaid load along one of the axes;

c. an hydraulic circuit connecting each pair of hydraulic cylinders to acorresponding pair of said valve outlet P d. a source of operating fluidunder said valve inlet port; and

e. two pair of elastic members each having linear force-displacementcharacteristics, each of said elastic members being connected at one endto the piston of a correspond ing one of said hydraulic cylinders and atthe other end to a rigid body.

pressure connected to

1. A fluid control valve comprising: a. a body having an inlet port, anexhaust port and a pair of outlet ports; b. first and second chambers insaid body; c. passage means connecting said first and second chambers tosaid exhaust port; d. means in said valve body defining third and fourthchambers connecting said first and second chambers, respectively, with acorresponding one of said outlet ports; e. passage means connecting saidthird and fourth chambers to said inlet port; f. first and second flowcontrolling means in said first and second chambers, respectively, eachof said flow controlling means being movable in its chamber from aseated position sealing its said chamber from a corresponding one ofsaid third and fourth chambers to an unseated position wherein said flowcontrolling means allows fluid flow between the two chambers, and g.motion transmitting means operatively connected to each of said firstand second flow controlling means and including a linearly movableelement, said motion transmitting element having a neutral positionwherein said first and second flow controlling means both are maintainedin said seated position, and said motion transmitting element beingmovable out of said neutral position in directions unseating either ofsaid flow controlling means while maintaining the other of said flowcontrolling means in said seated position.
 2. The fluid control valvedefined in claim 1 wherein each of said flow controlling meanscomprises: a. a first poppet member axially movable in a correspondingone of said first and second chambers; b. a second poppet member carriedby said first poppet member so as to be moved thereby from a seatedposition blocking a corresponding one of said third and fourth chambeRsto an unseated position; and c. a spring urging said first poppet intooperative contact with said motion transmitting means.
 3. The fluidcontrol valve defined in claim 2 wherein said second poppet is axiallymovable within said first poppet and wherein said valve furthercomprises: a. a follower positioned in operative contact between saidfirst poppet and said motion transmitting element; and b. a springcontacting said follower and said second poppet.
 4. The fluid controlvalve defined in claim 1 wherein said motion transmitting elementcomprises an elongated, generally cylindrical cam member supported in achamber in said valve body for axial movement in both directions along aline perpendicular to the direction of movement of each of said firstand second flow controlling means, said cam member having equaldiameters at opposite ends thereof and a relatively larger diameterabout midway from the ends thereof.
 5. The fluid control valve definedin claim 4 further including a manually operable lever pivotallyconnected to said valve body and operatively connected at one end tosaid cam.
 6. The fluid control valve defined in claim 1 wherein saidmeans defining third and fourth chambers each comprises a generallyhollow cylindrical nozzle member, one end of which extends into acorresponding one of said first and second chambers, the other end ofwhich is in communication with a corresponding one of said valve outletports, said nozzle having a bore therethrough intermediate the endsthereof whereby the nozzle interior is in fluid communication with saidpassage connected to said valve inlet port.
 7. In combination with thefluid control valve defined in claim 1: a. a source of operating fluidunder pressure connected to said valve inlet port; b. first and secondfluid cylinders each having a piston reciprocable therein; c. meansconnecting said first and second fluid cylinders to corresponding onesof said valve outlet ports; d. a mechanical load adapted for reciprocalmovement along an axis, said load being connected at opposite endsthereof to corresponding ones of said cylinder pistons; and e. first andsecond elastic members each having linear force-displacementcharacteristics and each connected at one end to a corresponding one ofsaid cylinder pistons and at the other end to a rigid body.
 8. Thecombination defined in claim 7 wherein said mechanical load comprises aspool movable in the body of a master valve connected in a separatefluid circuit.
 9. The combination defined in claim 8 wherein each ofsaid elastic members comprises a spring comprises a spring positioned onthe rod of a corresponding one of said cylinder pistons and connected atone end to the piston and at the other end to the body of said mastervalve.
 10. A fluid control valve comprising: a. a body having an inletport, an exhaust port and a pair of outlet ports; b. a generallycylindrical cam member supported for limited axial movement in a chamberin said valve body, the outer diameter of said cam member being amaximum about midway of the axial ends thereof and gradually decreasingin opposite axial directions; c. a manually operable lever pivotallyconnected to said valve body and operatively connected at one endthereof to said cam member; d. first and second chambers in said valvebody extending from the chamber in which said cam member is movable; e.passage means connecting said first and second chambers to said bleed orexhaust port; f. a first, generally hollow cylindrical poppet memberpositioned in each of said first and second chambers; g. a followerseated in one end of said first poppet member and in operative contactwith the outer surface of said cam member; h. a spring positioned ineach of said first and second chambers urging said first poppet towardsaid cam member; i. a second poppet member carried in said first poppetmember and axially movable therein; j. a spring positioned in said firstpoppet member, one end of said spring being in contact with said secondpoppet member and the other end in contact with said follower; k. firstand second generally hollow cylindrical nozzle members positioned insaid valve body so that one end thereof extends into a corresponding oneof said first and second chambers and so that the interiors of saidfirst and second nozzles are in communication with corresponding ones ofsaid valve outlet ports, said second poppet members normally sealing theinteriors of corresponding ones of said first and second nozzles fromsaid first and second chambers; and l. passage means connecting theinteriors of said first and second nozzles each to said valve inletport.
 11. A fluid control valve comprising: a. a body having an inletport, an exhaust port and four outlet ports; b. four chambers in saidbody; c. passage means connecting each of said four chambers to saidbleed or exhaust port; d. four hollow generally cylindrical nozzlemembers in said body each of said nozzle members being positioned sothat one end is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of saidfour chambers and so that the opposite end of said nozzle is connectedto a corresponding one of said four outlet ports; e. passage meansconnecting the interiors of said nozzles each to said inlet port; f.flow controlling means in each of said four chambers, each of said flowcontrolling means being movable in the chamber wherein it is locatedfrom a seated position sealing the chamber from the interior of acorresponding one of said nozzle members to an unseated position whereinsaid flow controlling means allows a flow of fluid from the nozzleinterior to the chamber; g. four motion transmitting elements eachaxially movable in said valve body and positioned so as to beoperatively connected to a corresponding one of said flow controllingmeans, each of said elements having a tapered outer surface whereby inresponse to axial movement thereof the corresponding flow controllingmeans is moved between seated and unseated positions; and h. a manuallyoperable lever journaled in said valve body for universal movement andoperatively connected at one end to each of said motion transmittingelements.
 12. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11 wherein theaxes of said motion transmitting elements are disposed in mutuallyperpendicular relation.
 13. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11wherein each of said motion transmitting elements is provided with aslight step or rise in the outer surface intermediate the ends thereof.14. The fluid control valve defined in claim 11 wherein each of saidflow controlling means comprises; a. a first poppet member axiallymovable in the corresponding chamber; b. a second poppet member carriedby said first poppet member so as to be moved thereby from a seatedposition on the end of a corresponding one of said nozzles to anunseated position; and c. a spring urging said first poppet member intooperative contact with a corresponding one of said cams.
 15. The fluidcontrol valve defined in claim 14 wherein said second poppet is axiallymovable within said first poppet and wherein said valve furthercomprises: a. a follower positioned in operative contact between saidfirst poppet and a corresponding one of said motion transmittingelements; and b. a spring contacting said follower and said secondpoppet.
 16. In combination with the fluid control valve defined in claim11: a. a first hydraulic circuit connected to two of said outlet portsand including a mechanical load movable in two directions; b. a secondhydraulic circuit connected to the remaining two of said outlet portsand including a mechanical load movable in two directions; and c. asource of operating fluid under pressure connected to said valve inletport.
 17. The combination defined in claim 16 wherein each of said Firstand second hydraulic circuits further includes: a. first and secondfluid cylinders each having a piston reciprocable therein in response tothe flow of said operating fluid; b. said mechanical load beingconnected at opposite ends thereof to corresponding ones of saidcylinder pistons; and c. first and second elastic members each havinglinear force-displacement characteristics and each connected at one endto a corresponding one of said cylinder pistons and at the other end toa rigid body.
 18. In combination with the fluid control valve defined inclaim 11: a. a single mechanical load reciprocable along two independentaxes; b. two pair of hydraulic cylinders, each pair operativelyconnected to said load with the two cylinders comprising the pair atopposite ends of said load along one of the axes; c. an hydrauliccircuit connecting each pair of hydraulic cylinders to a correspondingpair of said valve outlet ports; d. a source of operating fluid underpressure connected to said valve inlet port; and e. two pair of elasticmembers each having linear force-displacement characteristics, each ofsaid elastic members being connected at one end to the piston of acorresponding one of said hydraulic cylinders and at the other end to arigid body.